Signature Artists

Craig Thatcher

Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Craig Thatcher has been entertaining audiences with his exciting brand of blues/rock music for over 35 years. He’s been a featured performer at Bethlehem’s Musikfest for many years and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America and most recently in the Far East, performing mainly in theatres and outdoor festivals. Craig has led his own band since 1993 and is also the guitarist for Simone, daughter of jazz legend Nina Simone. Craig has released five CDs under his own name and is currently in the studio with Simone working on her second major label release.While best known for his blistering electric blues style, Craig also has a well-earned reputation as an outstanding acoustic guitarist, having won many regional awards in that category. He is the Martin Guitar Company’s “on-call” artist, performing at Company functions throughout the year. Craig has opened for many international touring artists including Derek Trucks, John Hammond, Buddy Guy, Robin Trower, Kim Simmonds, Chris Smither, Jonny Lang, Jorma Kaukonen and others.

Richard Starkey

Richard has been actively involved with stringed instrument making and repair for more than 25 years. His clinic includes a historical overview of the Martin Guitar Company throughout its 175 year lifetime, a video tour of the Martin plant in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and plenty of the acoustic guitar picking and singing in a wide range of styles that he has mastered. A relaxed and informal entertainer, Starkey is capable of answering just about any question posed on the history, construction and sound of the "C.F. Martin" guitar. Clinic attendees are welcome to bring a favorite Martin guitar for a free check up (time permitting), and admission is free.

George Sabolick

Player; Fingerstyle Guitarist George has a love for fingerstyle guitar music, being influenced by Chet Akins, Laurence Juber and many others. George has been pickin for 41 years growing up on the Beatles ,Byrds, CSNY and anything that would come his way. George has a passion to involve himself in a world of fingerstyle guitar enthusiasts. George is a Martin clinician and also a session player and producer of eight CDs of his own work. His latest CD is GROOVIN?STRINGS. George is currently producing another new fingerstyle CD, featuring that great Martin sound, which will be released this Spring. If you enjoy classy cover arrangements and energetic jazzy gems to peaceful mood settings you?l enjoy time well spent listening to George. Visit his web site or send email.

email: gsabolick.comurl: www.gsabolick.com

Diane Ponzio

Native New Yorker and Singer-Songwriter Diane Ponzio shares her authentic passion for Martin Guitars in her clinics. Weaving the riveting Martin Story with an in-depth explanantion of Martin's reknowned construction methods, she tops off the evening with a soulful performance on her signature JDP or JDP II model, and a Q&A session that rarely finds her stumped. Diane's longstanding relationship with C.F. Martin & Co. and her participation in scores of Trade Shows and inspiring presentations worldwide, have made her Martin's well recognized global ambassador. Diane's story, concert schedule, and the details of her discography can be found Diane's website.